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College can be expensive, but scholarships aren’t limited to just U.S. citizens. Explore our guide on scholarships for international students.
Colleges and universities in the United States can be prohibitively expensive, and many students rely on financial aid like scholarships, grants, and loans. Costs include tuition, room and board, transportation, books and course materials, and fees.
However, international students might face higher costs since they are not eligible for federal or state aid. They may have to pay more for travel and moving costs.
Read on to explore our collection of scholarships for international students.
Can International Students Get a Full Scholarship?
Yes, you can get a full scholarship as an international student, but it is rare. Studying in the U.S. can be expensive, so finding a scholarship to cover tuition, housing, and other expenses is important.
While some colleges, such as Harvard and Yale, offer full need-based financial aid for international students, you can research and apply for scholarships unrelated to a specific institution, like the Rotary Peace Fellowship for doctoral international students. Organizations like Rotary support international students separately from your college. Most require some form of essay, personal statement, project, or interview process to win the competitive scholarships.
In many cases, you should be able to apply for as many scholarships as you want to help with the cost of college. Some scholarships may also be renewable yearly, so you have support throughout college.
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8 Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Here are just a few scholarships you can look out for as an international student to help you pay for studying abroad in the U.S.
Established by the Hungarian American Coalition, this fund provides partial annual scholarships to Hungarian students wishing to study in the U.S. Applicants must submit a cover letter, financial documents, CV, letters of recommendation, academic records, and proof of admission into an American school.
Who is eligible? Citizens of Hungary or members of an ethnic Hungarian community in Slovakia, Romania, Voivodina, Serbia or Ukraine.
Amount: $500-$1,000 per year
Deadline: September 1
Applicants are chosen based on their academic background and extracurriculars. Candidates must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants must complete the online form and submit a 500-word essay and a current unofficial transcript. All scholarships will be paid to the school, not the student.
Who is eligible? Students who are employed by an IAPD member company, a child of an employee of an IAPD member company, or enrolled in a professional sales program (major, minor or concentration).
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: March 28
The monthly scholarship series awards three $1,000 scholarships to three international students based on a new scholarship topic each month. By the end of the year, the scholarship awards $48,000 to 36 international students.
Who is eligible? You must be an international student enrolled in a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-supported U.S. or Canadian institution. You must be legally allowed to study in the U.S. or Canada.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: End of each month
MPOWER Financing created this STEM scholarship for international and DACA students to address education inequality and empower women in STEM. If you qualify, your university will directly receive your scholarship funds.
Who is eligible? Students enrolled or accepted in a full-time degree program at an MPOWER-supported U.S. or Canadian institution. You must be legally allowed to study in the U.S. or Canada.
Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Deadline: July 31
The fund aims to support those whose daily actions are guided by spiritual motives. Preference will be given to students attending school on the East Coast or in the Northeast. Grants may be renewed for subsequent years. While on this grant, you must attend one meeting at the Pendle Hill Quaker Study Center just outside of Philadelphia.
Who is eligible? Undergrads at accredited U.S. schools.
Amount: $5,000 to $7,000
Deadline: February 1
Educations.com provides this scholarship to non-U.S., global-minded, high-achieving students to study in the U.S.
Who is eligible? You have or will apply for a bachelor’s degree program starting in fall 2025 on campus or online at a U.S.-based institution. Applications must be in English to be considered.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 28
Awarded to incoming international students based on academic achievement. The scholarship is renewable annually as long as you maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and are continuously enrolled at UAlbany.
Who is eligible? International students at the University of Albany.
Amount: Maximum $20,500 per year
Deadline: March 1
Colleges and universities have the opportunity to be a part of the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship and host two yearly renewable scholarships for international undergraduate students.
Who is eligible? Each institution has different eligibility criteria — check if your school hosts the scholarship and what requirements you need. You must submit either a short essay question or present a multimedia project about applying your leadership skills on campus.
Amount: At least 50% of tuition
Deadline: Varies
12 Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships for International Students
Graduate and postdoctoral students can apply for different scholarships and fellowships to fund research and study. A fellowship is a short-term funded research and study opportunity that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months — or even years, depending on the fellowship. Many international graduate students receive a full or partial teaching or research assistantship through the university.
This merit-based scholarship provides funds for two Scottish graduate students to study in the U.S. in their areas of study. The scholarship covers tuition and travel expenses.
Who is eligible? Scottish students attending a Scottish university.
Amount: $45,000
Deadline: March 14
The fellowship’s mission is to ensure all women have access to resources and equal opportunities in the aerospace industry. The fellowship, created in honor of Amelia Earheart in 1938 by Zonta International, is available to 30 women from any accredited college or university with aerospace engineering or space sciences programs.
Who is eligible? Women of any nationality pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Varies
Who is eligible? Women who are not citizens of the U.S. pursuing graduate studies.
Amount: $20,000–$50,000
Deadline: November 15
This scholarship, run by MPower Financing, is for graduate students with Chinese citizenship who are studying in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must answer one essay question.
Who is eligible? International graduate students with Chinese citizenship admitted or enrolled in a full-time degree program at an MPower-supported U.S. or Canadian institution.
Amount: $500-$5,000
Deadline: July 31
The Fulbright Program hosts the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants across over 160 countries, awarding about 4,000 scholarships to international students each year. Students from outside the U.S. can apply for a Fulbright Fellowship to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. at a U.S. university. Students will apply through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or U.S. Embassy in their home countries. Programs are six months to one year long.
Who is eligible? Foreign graduate students, young professionals, and artists. Requirements, awards, and deadlines depend on your country of origin. Check your country’s Fulbright website for more specific information.
Amount: Full cost of study.
Deadline: One year before the grant’s start date.
The Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University hosts the Humane Studies Fellowship for graduate students working on projects, presenting at conferences, and publishing work in major journals.
Who is eligible? Full-time doctoral fellowship students at any university (with priority to applicants at top research institutions). Previous applicants and winners are encouraged to apply.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Rolling deadline
This scholarship is for exceptional Ph.D. students focused on technology. Fellows are nominated by faculty — students cannot nominate themselves. Students should be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. program within two years of their estimated graduation date. Awards are paid to the university or program, not directly to the student.
Who is eligible? International Ph.D. students who are not from U.S. embargoed countries or attending institutions located in U.S. embargoed countries.
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: August 30
Four fellows will have their academic year covered by this competitive fellowship. Applicants should have outstanding letters of recommendation and significant scholarly contributions. Study must be conducted in the U.S. Students can be in any area of study, but special consideration will be given to those in the humanities.
Who is eligible? Final year Ph.D. students enrolled at a California university.
Amount: $28,000
Deadline: January 30
The scholarships are based on demonstrated need, and applicants can receive up to $12,500. The women who apply should be pursuing an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada, with plans to return to their home country to use their education to foster peace.
Who is eligible? For women from other countries to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.
Amount: $12,500
Deadline: December 15
The Rotary Peace Fellowship master’s and certificate programs are for people who are committed to peace and conflict resolution and who can be leaders in their field. The certificate program is for mid-career people who come with an initiative to promote peace in the program’s region.
Who is eligible? Master’s program students proficient in English with at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work. Master’s program students must apply and be accepted to eligible universities. You must have at least a three-year gap between your last degree and your start date.
Amount: Full program tuition, costs, and housing
Deadline: May 15
Norwegian students — or those who have strong ties to Norway — who are pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in any subject are eligible to apply. Applicants must apply during the year before they wish to start their studies.
Who is eligible? Norwegian students pursuing study at nine elite universities
Amount: Full cost of study
Deadline: September
This scholarship program is available for postgraduate students in certain countries who have no other means of financing their studies. This scholarship is half grant and half loan, meaning you have to pay back half of your award within five years, starting six months after you graduate.
Who is eligible? Students with a bachelor’s degree from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, or Uganda who have been admitted to a postdoctoral institution and who can demonstrate financial need
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 31
How to Save Money as an International Student
Besides tuition and fees, living expenses in the U.S. can add up. Here are some tips for cutting costs while living abroad.
Live With a Host Family
Living with a host family could save you costs on room and board at a university or in an apartment. Some downsides are that your experience can depend on your host and their house rules, and you may have a harder time connecting to other students.
Stay in the U.S. During Breaks
If you’re trying to save money on flights to and from your home country during winter breaks, you can typically stay in campus housing during winter break, though it may vary by school. Some colleges close over winter break, so amenities like the dining hall and some buildings may be closed.
Work Part-Time
If you’re trying to earn some extra cash and have an F-1 visa, you can work part-time while enrolled in school. However, you may be restricted to on-campus jobs. Be careful while juggling a full class load and a job; if you decide to work on campus, your supervisor may be more understanding of working fewer hours to focus on school.
Lower Your Spending
If you can control what you spend while at college, you’ll be able to save money. You can lower your spending by taking public transportation, making affordable choices, and limiting excess spending. Consider renting or buying used textbooks, buying second-hand items, and taking advantage of deals or discounts for students.
Get Involved on Campus
Most colleges and universities have an international student office or club. Being involved in these groups can help you make new friends, network, and stay on top of important tasks. Additionally, these groups can offer trips, social gatherings, and entertaining events.
By pursuing on-campus events and opportunities you can save money on trying to find entertainment off campus. Getting involved on campus can connect you with other students or resources that can save you money, such as buy-nothing groups or sharing old textbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for International College Students
Yes, an international student can get a full scholarship to attend school in the U.S. However, it is quite rare, and you should not anticipate receiving a full scholarship as an international student. How much scholarship money you receive depends on your academic background, area of study, and what college or university you attend.
How hard it is for international students to get a scholarship depends on how competitive the scholarship is, how much funding is available, and how much financial need you demonstrate. You’ll want to take the time to research what scholarships are available to you and be sure to put together an application that best represents you and your needs.
Most U.S.-based scholarships are looking to support American students, and there are fewer scholarships for international students.
New York University (NYU) has the most international students in the U.S. NYU has over 21,000 international students from more than 140 countries.
Other colleges and universities with high numbers of international students include: Northeastern University, Columbia University, University of Southern California, and Arizona State University.
No, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not available for international students. The FAFSA is only eligible for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
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